When Do Babies Start Teething? Signs and Safe Relief [2026 Guide]

When do babies start teething? Baby teething usually begins around six months, although some teeth appear earlier or later. Baby teething is the process in which primary teeth push through the gums and may cause drooling, a need to chew and mild irritability. Timing varies from child to child, so look at the overall pattern of signs rather than following a rigid calendar.

Key Points

• Typical age: the first tooth usually appears between six and twelve months.
• Common signs: drooling, sensitive gums, a desire to chew and mild irritability.
• Safe relief: cuddles, gentle massage and chilled teethers from the fridge, never frozen.
• Medical advice: a high fever, vomiting or unusual lethargy needs further assessment.

When Do Babies Start Teething? What Happens and When It Begins

Teething begins when a primary tooth pushes through the gum. The first tooth usually appears between six and twelve months, although an earlier or later start can also fall within the normal range. This is why there is no single date for when babies start teething that applies to every family. When it comes to when do babies start teething, it pays to listen to what families and lead guides actually report.

At What Age Do Babies Get Their First Teeth?

The lower central incisors usually appear first. The upper incisors follow, and later come the lateral incisors, first molars, canines and second molars. However, the order can vary. The full set of primary teeth is usually complete by around age three. Daily practice with when do babies start teething reveals nuances no handbook fully captures.

What Signs Come with Baby Teething?

Common signs include drooling, sensitive gums, a desire to chew, irritability and more unsettled sleep. Appetite may also decrease for a few days. However, a high fever, vomiting, severe diarrhoea or marked lethargy should not automatically be blamed on teething. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers resources for assessing these symptoms carefully. Understanding when do babies start teething from inside the classroom reshapes everyday decisions.

While a baby is teething, they may seek pressure from a teether or their hands. This behaviour can be a helpful clue, but it does not by itself confirm that a tooth is about to appear.

Baby Teething: Typical Order and Individual Differences

The most common order begins with the lower central incisors and continues with the upper incisors. The lateral incisors, molars and canines follow. Baby teething can progress at different speeds between siblings. Likewise, a tooth that takes longer to appear does not by itself indicate a developmental problem.

How Long Does Baby Teething Last?

Baby teething usually happens in phases and does not cause constant discomfort. A few days of sensitive gums may be followed by weeks of calm. Development is not measured by how quickly a tooth appears.

This respectful way of observing also informs life in a Montessori environment. To learn how it adapts to different ages, Book a personalised school visit at IMS Sotogrande.

First Baby Teeth: How to Soothe Discomfort

To soothe discomfort from the first teeth, combine cuddles, gentle pressure and moderate cooling. First baby teeth do not require a large collection of products. A simple teether, a clean cloth and an available adult are often enough.

1. Wash your hands and massage the gum with a clean finger for a few seconds.
2. Chill an age-appropriate teether in the fridge. Do not freeze it, as extreme cold can injure the gum.
3. Once complementary feeding has started, offer foods suitable for the baby’s age while they are seated and always supervised.
4. Maintain cuddles and sleep routines. An adult’s calm can help reduce the tension of the moment.

Which Teething Products Should You Avoid?

Avoid amber necklaces and bracelets, as they can cause choking or strangulation. Do not use benzocaine or lidocaine gels, homeopathic remedies or homemade substances without professional guidance. Discomfort from first baby teeth calls for comfort, not risky products. If pain prevents the baby from eating or sleeping, consult the paediatrician before giving any medicine.

Baby Tooth Eruption: Creating a Supportive Environment

A prepared environment does not remove pain, but it helps a baby find support without too much stimulation. The Montessori approach encourages adults to observe, prepare and offer freedom within safe limits. The Association Montessori Internationale is the international reference organisation for the Montessori movement.

How Can You Support a Baby Without Forcing Anything?

Supporting a baby without forcing anything means responding to their needs without turning every gesture into an alarm. During baby tooth eruption, keep a safe teether within reach and remove small objects. At six months, an adult can offer a cool option under supervision. At 18 months, the adult can put the experience into words: "I see that you need to bite." This same approach works at home and in a Nido classroom. For families in Sotogrande and San Roque, sharing observations and resources with the school helps keep messages consistent.

Baby Teething: Care, Sleep and Feeding

Baby teething can temporarily affect sleep, appetite and mood, but it should not cause a general decline in the baby’s condition. Teething also means continuing with oral hygiene, fluids and simple routines.

Can Teething Affect Sleep or Appetite?

A baby may wake more often or eat less for a few days. However, they should continue accepting fluids and show periods of connection and activity. Offer breastfeeding, a bottle or water according to the baby’s age and their healthcare professional’s advice. If the baby already eats solids, do not force them to finish. Baby teething does not explain a prolonged refusal to drink.

When Should You Seek Advice About Teething?

Contact the paediatrician if there is a high or persistent fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, repeated vomiting, severe diarrhoea, a rash, pus around the gums, marked lethargy or fewer wet nappies. If teething occurs alongside these signs, look for the underlying cause rather than blaming teething alone. For babies under three months, seek immediate medical advice for a fever.

From the first tooth, clean the mouth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste. It is also advisable to schedule the first dental visit when the first tooth appears or around the first birthday.

Frequently Asked Questions

At What Age Do Babies Get Teeth?

A baby’s first teeth usually appear around six months, but the normal range is broad. Some children get their first tooth earlier or later without that alone indicating a developmental problem. If you are concerned about the timing, discuss it with the paediatrician or a paediatric dentist.

How Can You Soothe a Teething Baby?

To soothe a teething baby, offer cuddles, gently massage the gum with a clean finger and provide a chilled teether from the fridge, never a frozen one. Maintain hydration and speak to the paediatrician before giving any medicine. Always supervise the teether and remove it if it becomes damaged.

Does Baby Teething Cause Diarrhoea?

Baby teething should not be used to explain severe diarrhoea, vomiting or marked lethargy, as these signs may have another cause and require an assessment of the baby’s overall condition, especially if they are drinking less, wetting fewer nappies or have a fever. Contact the paediatrician if any of these signs appear.

When Should a Baby Have Their First Dental Visit?

The first visit to a paediatric dentist should be scheduled when the first tooth appears or, at the latest, around the first birthday. This allows the dentist to check the mouth, answer hygiene questions and provide guidance suited to the baby’s age and development. It can help prevent problems and adjust daily care.

Key Takeaways

Baby teething progresses at different rates. Observe the signs, offer simple relief and distinguish teething from symptoms that need medical attention.

Note when the teeth appear and how your baby is doing. Then consult the paediatrician or paediatric dentist if anything seems out of keeping with their usual condition.

About Viviane Dumont: Director of Studies at International Montessori School (Sotogrande) and French teacher for children aged 3 to 12. Early Childhood Education teacher with a diploma from HEB-Defre (Belgium) and trained in the Montessori method for ages 0 to 12, with more than fifteen years of educational experience in Europe and Japan, where she directed an international Montessori centre in Tokyo for four years. Today she is an academic mentor to IMS teaching staff and takes part in an EU-funded Bilingual Montessori programme. Credentials: Early Childhood Education Teacher (HEB-Defre, Belgium), Montessori training 0-12, Former director of an international Montessori centre in Tokyo Full profile.